Can My Dog Be Happy Being An "only"?, Our other dog died. Can his housemate adjust to being an only dog? Options

[Caseysmom10]

We lost 11 1/2 year old Tango on Feb. 4th. We have always had 2 dogs. Poor Bailey (8 yrs old) is missing him too. My husband thinks we should get another dog so that Bailey isn't lonely for doggie companionship. I disagree. I am 63 with serious health problems. My husband is 75 with bad knees. I don't think either of us have the energy or ability to give a new, particularly a young dog the kind of attention it would need, such as obedience classes, etc. In good conscience, the only way I can see us getting another dog would be a senior dog, and I'm not ready to do that either. At this point, I don't want ANOTHER dog. I just want Tango back. Also, the pain of losing him is still so fresh and raw, having to face that again with another dog is too much. There is no dog park in our area. Bailey really will not have any contact with other dogs. He is getting more attention from us now, since there is no competition. Is this enough for him? Does he need the companionship of another dog? Maybe my husband thinks so just because we've always had two dogs. Can Bailey adjust to being a happy "only dog"? Any advice? Here is Bailey.

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[moon_beam]

Hi, Caseysmom, thank you so much for sharing with us how you and your precious Bailey are doing. This grief adjustment journey does take time, and I'm so glad you and your precious Bailey are enduring together one day at a time.

For most of my life I have always enjoyed the companionship of a precious companion, and I have never imagined my life without one except for brief periods of time. Now in my senior years due to both physical challenges and financial constraints I realize that my precious Noah will be my last companion on this side of eternity, and it has been a difficult "new reality" to adjust to. But I know in my heart that it would not be a "right" decision for me to bring another companion into my heart and home when I know I may very well not be able to take care of him / her appropriately, and may very well be faced with having to surrender my companion to the local rescue shelter for re-adoption because of my inability to continue to care for my companion. This possibility would truly break my heart. So, I treasure my time with my precious Noah.

I hope today is treating you, your precious Bailey, and your husband kindly, Caseysmom, and that you will have a peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Tango's sweet Living Spirit to comfort you. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers, and please let us know how you're doing.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam